School Library Journal

Gr 1-4-Readers are introduced to four notable Black Americans in these engaging narratives. Charlotta Bass owned a newspaper and was the first Black woman to be nominated for Vice President of the United States (Progressive Party, 1952). Jackie Ormes created comic strips featuring Black characters who defied stereotypes. Leland Melvin successfully transitioned from NFL player to astronaut and Wendell Scott became the first Black man to win a NASCAR race. Emphasis is on the challenges each person faced: Bass was harassed by the KKK, Scott had to fight for acknowledgement of his win in a race, and Melvin was injured in football and astronaut training. Though these biographies are short and most statistical information is included in time lines in the back, they provide excellent primers on people who are less well-known (but certainly should be more recognized). They will encourage readers to seek out more information. Bright and colorful illustrations enhance the texts. VERDICT These volumes on inspiring lives should do well with report writers and browsers alike.